LAS VEGAS — Col. Andrew Baker, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, visited key military construction sites at Creech Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on July 15, reinforcing the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting Air Force infrastructure needs.

Baker, who assumed command in July 2023, was joined by John Oshima, chief of military programs, and James Elsberry, a district project manager. The trio met with base commanders to review active projects, explore upcoming initiatives, and address operational challenges.

“Air Force leadership engagement with Col. Baker plays a vital role in building and sustaining strong relationships,” Elsberry said after the visit. “This allows for increased customer service, attention to priorities, workload posturing and improved project execution.”

During the site tour, Baker observed a variety of projects that highlight the district’s diverse military construction efforts. These included facility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and specialized operational buildings that are integral to the Air Force’s readiness.

“The commander’s support and project awareness show that he is aware of the issues and challenges our projects face,” Elsberry added. “He has sought out process improvement and helped with issue resolution through these engagements and to help assure the success of the military program.”

The Los Angeles District has played a pivotal role in recent high-profile builds. In May 2024, the Corps completed a $29 million virtual training range and testing facility at Nellis AFB—an advanced simulation environment designed to enhance pilot and mission readiness. The district is also managing significant renovations to the base hospital, ensuring it meets modern medical and operational standards.

“Yearly office calls to both Creech AFB and Nellis AFB are needed due to the current and future workload to support both military installations,” Oshima said, noting the steady stream of projects. “The in-person engagement demonstrates that Los Angeles District leadership is aware of each installation military program, which may need our installations’ stakeholders’ input of the services that we provide for the enterprise.”

Baker oversees an annual budget of $750 million that covers planning, engineering, construction, real estate, regulatory, emergency management, and environmental services. His responsibilities span three Army and eight Air Force installations, serve interagency and international clients, and support national water resources infrastructure valued at about $240 million.

“With a large Civil Works program at the district, Col. Baker’s yearly office call to visit both installations and the resident office identifies that the district’s military program is a significant part of how the district delivers the enterprise mission to support our installation stakeholders,” Oshima said.

The visit not only reaffirmed the district’s hands-on leadership approach but also reinforced collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Air Force—ensuring that vital military construction projects continue to meet mission-critical timelines and operational needs.

Originally reported by Robert DeDeaux in DVIDS.